U.S. patent application number 14/961116 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-08 for fabric-based piezoelectric energy harvesting.
The applicant listed for this patent is Intel Corporation. Invention is credited to Aleksandar Aleksov, Nadine L. Dabby, Feras Eid, Adel A. Elsherbini, Braxton Lathrop, Sasha Oster.
Application Number | 20170163178 14/961116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58798736 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170163178 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dabby; Nadine L. ; et
al. |
June 8, 2017 |
FABRIC-BASED PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY HARVESTING
Abstract
A device for harvesting energy from fabric or clothing includes
a piece of fabric or clothing. One or more piezoelectric harvesters
are coupled with the piece of fabric or clothing. The piezoelectric
harvesters are capable of producing electric energy in response to
the movement of the piece of fabric or clothing. Additionally, the
device includes one or more energy storage mediums coupled to the
one or more piezoelectric harvesters. The energy storage mediums
are capable of storing the energy produced by the one or more
piezoelectric harvesters. Further, the method for harvesting energy
from fabric or clothing involves moving a piece of fabric such that
one or more piezoelectric harvesters generate electricity. The
method for harvesting energy from fabric or clothing also involves
storing the generated electricity in one or more energy storage
mediums.
Inventors: |
Dabby; Nadine L.; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; Eid; Feras; (Chandler, AZ) ;
Elsherbini; Adel A.; (Chandler, AZ) ; Lathrop;
Braxton; (Lake Oswego, OR) ; Aleksov; Aleksandar;
(Chandler, AZ) ; Oster; Sasha; (Chandler,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Intel Corporation |
Santa Clara |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58798736 |
Appl. No.: |
14/961116 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 41/113 20130101;
F03G 5/08 20130101; H02N 2/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02N 2/18 20060101
H02N002/18; F03G 5/08 20060101 F03G005/08 |
Claims
1. A device for harvesting energy from fabric comprising: a piece
of fabric; one or more piezoelectric harvesters coupled with the
piece of fabric, the piezoelectric harvesters capable of producing
electric energy in response to the movement of the piece of fabric;
and one or more energy storage mediums coupled to the one or more
piezoelectric harvesters, the energy storage mediums capable of
storing the energy produced by the one or more piezoelectric
harvesters.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more piezoelectric
harvesters are coupled to the fabric at locations that
substantially correspond with the portions of the fabric that will
be moving.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein a piezoelectric ink is applied to
the piece of fabric, thereby creating a piezoelectric
harvester.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein an electronic device is coupled
to the one or more energy storage mediums, the electronic device
drawing power from the one or more energy storage mediums.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric harvesters are
coupled to the piece of fabric such that the piezoelectric
harvesters are aligned in a direction that is at a particular angle
relative to the movement of the piece of fabric.
6. A device for harvesting energy from clothing comprising: a piece
of clothing; one or more piezoelectric harvesters coupled with the
piece of clothing, the piezoelectric harvesters capable of
producing electric energy in response to the movement of the piece
of clothing; and one or more energy storage mediums coupled to the
one or more piezoelectric harvesters, the energy storage mediums
capable of storing the energy produced by the one or more
piezoelectric harvesters.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the one or more piezoelectric
harvesters are coupled to the piece of clothing at locations that
substantially correspond with the joints of the human body.
8. The device of claims 6, wherein the one or more piezoelectric
harvesters are coupled to the piece of clothing at locations that
correspond to the location of a wearer's joints, the joints
selected from the group consisting of ankles, knees, hips,
shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
9. The device of claim 6, wherein a piezoelectric ink is applied to
the piece of clothing, thereby creating a piezoelectric
harvester.
10. The device of claim 6, wherein an electronic device is coupled
to the one or more energy storage mediums, the electronic device
drawing power from the one or more energy storage mediums.
11. A method for harvesting energy from fabric comprising: moving a
piece of fabric such that one or more piezoelectric harvesters
generate electricity; and storing the generated electricity in one
or more energy storage mediums.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method includes supplying
the generated electricity to one or more electronic devices.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the method includes generating
electricity with the one or more piezoelectric harvesters at
locations that substantially correspond with the portions of the
fabric that will be moving.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the method includes generating
electricity at locations where a piezoelectric ink has been applied
to the piece of fabric.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the method includes generating
electricity from the one or more piezoelectric harvesters that have
been aligned in a direction that is at a particular angle relative
to the movement of the piece of fabric.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein moving the piece of fabric
includes moving a piece of clothing.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method includes generating
electricity with the one or more piezoelectric harvesters at
locations that substantially correspond with one or more joints of
the human body.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the method includes generating
electricity with the one or more piezoelectric harvesters at
locations that correspond to the location of a wearer's joints, the
joints selected from the group consisting of ankles, knees, hips,
shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the method includes generating
electricity with the one or more piezoelectric harvesters at
locations where a piezoelectric ink has been applied to the piece
of clothing.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Fabric-based wearable electronics are very limited by the
power required for the operation of the electronics. Current
solutions involve using large, cumbersome, battery packs to provide
the power necessary to operate the wearable electronics. The
present subject matter can help provide a solution to this problem,
such as by integrating piezoelectric harvesters with the fabric to
provide power to the wearable electronic devices.
OVERVIEW
[0002] The present inventors have recognized, among other things,
that a problem to be solved can include providing power to
fabric-based wearable electronic devices in a compact and
rechargeable manner. The present subject matter can help provide a
solution to this problem, such as by using piezoelectric harvesters
to convert the motion of the living organism into usable energy to
either supplement the power demands or completely supply the power
demands of a fabric-based wearable electronic device.
[0003] A device for harvesting energy from fabric or clothing
includes a piece of fabric or clothing. One or more piezoelectric
harvesters are coupled with the piece of fabric or clothing. The
piezoelectric harvesters are capable of producing electric energy
in response to the movement of the piece of fabric or clothing.
Additionally, the device includes one or more energy storage
mediums coupled to the one or more piezoelectric harvesters. The
energy storage mediums are capable of storing the energy produced
by the one or more piezoelectric harvesters. Further, the method
for harvesting energy from fabric or clothing involves moving a
piece of fabric such that one or more piezoelectric harvesters
generate electricity. The method for harvesting energy from fabric
or clothing also involves storing the generated electricity in one
or more energy storage mediums.
[0004] This overview is intended to provide a summary of the
subject matter of the present patent application. It is not
intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the
invention. The detailed description is included to provide further
information about the present patent application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
like numerals may describe similar components in different views.
Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent
different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate
generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various
embodiments discussed in the present document.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of one example of a linear
piezoelectric harvester.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of an example of a serpentine
piezoelectric harvester.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of the linear piezoelectric harvester
of FIG. 1, wherein the linear piezoelectric harvester is coupled to
an elbow and is strained.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one example of a mesh
network of linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one example of locations
where a mesh network of piezoelectric harvesters can be located in
a fabric-based wearable electronic device.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a block diagram for a method for harvesting energy
from fabric.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a side view of one example of a linear
piezoelectric harvester 100 coupled to a piece of fabric 140. In an
example, the linear piezoelectric harvester 100 includes a first
electrode 110, a second electrode 120, and a piezoelectric material
130. The piezoelectric material 130 is located between (i.e.,
coupled with), and in electrical communication with, the first
electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. The linear
piezoelectric harvester 100 is a pressure transducer. Stated
another way, the straining of the linear piezoelectric harvester
100 generates a voltage difference between the first electrode 110
and the second electrode 120. The voltage difference between the
first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 produces a current
that can be used to provide power to an electric device (e.g., a
fabric-based wearable electronic device). In one example, the
piezoelectric material 130 is quartz crystals. In another example,
the piezoelectric material 130 is a polymer such as polyvinylidene
fluoride (PVDF). In yet another example, the piezoelectric material
130 is lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or barium titanate (BaTiO3).
Alternatively or additionally, and as discussed further herein, the
piezoelectric material 13 can be an ink. A linear piezoelectric
harvester 100 is fabricated when a piezoelectric ink (e.g., lead
zirconate titanate or sodium potassium niobate) is deposited on a
substrate (e.g., the piece of fabric 140). Electrodes (e.g., the
first and second electrode 110, 120) are then coupled to opposing
sides of the area where the piezoelectric ink was deposited on the
substrate (e.g., the piece of fabric 140). Alternatively or
additionally, the electrodes (e.g., the first and second electrodes
110, 120) are fabricated through the application of an electrically
conductive ink onto opposing sides of the area where the
piezoelectric ink was deposited onto the substrate (e.g., the piece
of fabric 140). In yet another example, the piezoelectric material
130 is any material that produces a voltage difference when
deformed (i.e., strained) by an external force that is applied to
the piezoelectric material 130.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a top view of an example of a serpentine
piezoelectric harvester 200 coupled to the piece of fabric 140. In
an example, the first electrode 110 is sized and shaped such that
the first electrode 110 has a series of first electrode projections
210. The second electrode 120 is also sized and shaped such that
the second electrode has a series of second electrode projections
220. A void is located between each of the first electrode
projections 210 and the second electrode projections, respectively.
The first electrode projections 210 and the second electrode
projections 220 interlock with one another such that the first
electrode projections 210 project a distance into the void between
the series of second electrode projections 220. Conversely, the
second electrode projections 120 project a distance into the void
between the first electrode projections 210. However, the first
electrode 110 and the second electrode 120 are not in communication
with one another. The piezoelectric material 130 is located in a
layer underneath, and in communication with, the first electrode
110 and the second electrode 120 (and the first and second
electrode projections 210, 220). When viewed from above, and as
shown in FIG. 2, the piezoelectric material 130 substantially fill
the voids between the first electrode 110 and the second electrode
120. Alternatively or additionally, the piezoelectric material 130
may extend underneath the entire bottom surface (not shown) of the
first and second electrodes projections 210, 220 and be in
electrical and physical communication with the bottom surfaces (not
shown) of the electrode projections 210 and 220.
[0014] In another example, the differing arrangements between the
linear piezoelectric harvester 100 and the serpentine piezoelectric
harvester 200 results in electrical fields being generated in
different directions. The electrical field being generated by the
linear piezoelectric harvester 100, shown in FIG. 1, is
perpendicular to the length of either the first electrode 110 or
the second electrode 120. Stated another way, the electrical field
being generated by the linear piezoelectric harvester 100, shown in
FIG. 1, is directed perpendicular to the piece of fabric 140. The
electrical field being generated by the serpentine piezoelectric
harvester 200, shown in FIG. 2, is parallel to the plane of the
first and second electrodes 110, 120. Stated another way, the
electrical field generated by the serpentine piezoelectric
harvester 200 is directed parallel to the piece of fabric 140.
[0015] The differing arrangements between the linear piezoelectric
harvester 100 and the serpentine piezoelectric harvester 200 allows
for the most efficient capture of the strain applied to the piece
of fabric 140 (as discussed in further detail herein). In an
example, the piece of fabric 140 is only strained longitudinally.
The differing arrangements of the linear piezoelectric harvester
100 and the serpentine piezoelectric harvester 200 allow for either
the linear piezoelectric harvester 100 or the serpentine
piezoelectric harvester 200 to be coupled with the piece of fabric
140, and aligned with the longitudinal strain applied to the piece
of fabric 140, such that either the linear piezoelectric harvester
100 or the serpentine piezoelectric harvester 200 experiences
substantially the same amount of strain that is applied to the
piece of fabric 140. This is in contrast to a linear piezoelectric
harvester 100 or a serpentine piezoelectric harvester 200 that is
not aligned with the longitudinal strain applied to the piece of
fabric 140 wherein the linear piezoelectric harvester 100 or the
serpentine piezoelectric harvester 200 does not experience strain
that is substantially the same as the amount of strain that is
applied to the piece of fabric 140.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the linear piezoelectric
harvester 100 of FIG. 1, wherein the linear piezoelectric harvester
100 is strained. In an example, the linear piezoelectric harvester
100 (and similarly the serpentine piezoelectric harvester 200) is
strained such that it produces a voltage difference between the
first electrode 110 and the second electrode 120. Conversely, the
linear piezoelectric harvester 100 does not produce a voltage
difference when it is not strained. As previously discussed herein,
in an example, when the linear piezoelectric harvester 100 is
strained, a voltage is produced between the first electrode 110 and
the second electrode 120. In another example, the first and second
electrode 110, 120 are coupled to, and in electrical communication
with, one or more conductors 300. In yet another example, the
voltage produced by the linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvester 100, 200 produces an electric current which is
transmitted through the one or more conductors 300 and collected
(i.e., stored or retained) in an energy storage medium 310. In an
example, the energy storage medium 310 is a capacitor, battery, or
the like. In yet another example, the first and second electrode
110, 120 are in electrical communication with conditioning
circuitry (not shown). The conditioning circuitry (not shown) is in
electrical communication with the energy storage medium 310 and can
be used to optimize the charging of the energy storage medium
310.
[0017] In still yet another example, the energy storage medium 310
is in electrical communication with one or more electronic devices
320. The energy storage medium 310 is capable of transmitting the
energy produced by either the linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvester 100, 200 to the one or more electronic devices 320. In an
example, the one or more electronic devices 320 can include, but is
not limited to, lights, LEDs, microphones, speakers, processors,
memory, actuators, motors, transducers, touch screens, sensors,
transmitters, receivers, transceivers, radios, electrical
components (e.g., resistors, amplifiers, capacitors etc.), or the
like.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one example of a mesh
network of piezoelectric harvesters. In one example, two or more
linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 are
integrated into a mesh network 400 such that each of the two or
more linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 are
electrically connected to each other (e.g., through the use of
conductors 300). The integration of the two or more linear and/or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 into a mesh network
400 can allow for a larger amount of energy to be harvested by
increasing the density of piezoelectric harvesters within a given
area. Additionally, the fabrication of a mesh network 400 can allow
for energy to be harvested from one of the linear and/or serpentine
piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 while the other linear and/or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network
400 do not produce an electrical output. Stated another way, the
creation of a mesh network 400 by electrically coupling two or more
linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 can
allow for more efficient energy harvesting by increasing the amount
of piezoelectric harvesters per unit area. Alternatively or
additionally, the creation of a mesh network 400 by electrically
coupling two or more linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 can allow for a larger area of the piece of
fabric 140 to be covered in linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 thereby improving the flexibility or
stretchability of the piece of fabric 140.
[0019] In another example, the mesh network 400 is in electrical
communication with one or more energy storage mediums 310. The mesh
network 400 is capable of generating electricity from the one or
more linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 and
supplying that harvested energy (e.g., through the use of the
conductors 300) to one or more energy storage mediums 310. The
energy stored within the energy storage mediums 310 is available to
supply power to one or more electronic devices 320. In yet another
example, the one or more energy storage mediums 310 are located
remotely from the linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric harvester
100, 200.
[0020] In yet another example, the mesh network 400 is fabricated
through the use of a piezoelectric ink. Piezoelectric ink is
applied to a substrate (e.g., the piece of fabric 140) such that a
linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvester 100, 200 is created at
the locations where the piezoelectric ink has been applied. The
fabrication of linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100,
200 through the use of piezoelectric inks is advantageous, among
other things, because it allows for complex or unique shapes to be
created. Additionally, the use of piezoelectric inks is
advantageous, among other things, because it allows for a wide
range of sizes of linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters
100, 200 to be created. Further, the use of piezoelectric inks is
advantageous, among other things, because it simplifies the
creation of linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200
on clothing. Additionally, the use of piezoelectric inks on
clothing can increase the utility of clothing by, among other
things, having emblems and other graphics that would otherwise be
printed on the clothing to also generate electricity through the
use of one or more linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network 400. In one example, the
piezoelectric ink can be applied to an intermediate substrate (not
shown) that is then integrated into the piece of fabric 140.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one example of locations
where a mesh network 400 of piezoelectric harvesters can be located
in a fabric-based wearable electronic device. In an example, and as
previously described herein, one or more linear and/or serpentine
piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 can be coupled to the piece of
fabric 140. In another example, the mesh network 400 can be coupled
to the piece of fabric 140. In yet another example, the piece of
fabric 140 is a piece of clothing. In still yet another example,
the piece of clothing is a jacket 500, pants 510, shirt, shoes,
socks, hat, underwear, or the like.
[0022] Additionally, in an example, the one or more linear or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network
400 are coupled to the piece of fabric 140 at locations that
substantially corresponds with the portions of the piece of fabric
140 that will be moving. Stated another way, the one or more linear
and/or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 are aligned in
a direction that is at a particular angle relative to the movement
of the piece of fabric 140. In another example, the one or more
linear and/or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 or the
mesh network 400 are coupled to the clothing at locations that
substantially correspond with the joints of the human body. Stated
another way, the one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network 400 are coupled to the
piece of clothing at locations that correspond to the location of
the joints of the living organism wearing the piece of clothing. In
yet another example the joints are selected from the group
consisting of ankles, knees, hips, shoulders 560, elbows 570, and
wrists 580.
[0023] Further, in an example, the one or more linear or serpentine
piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network 400 are
coupled to the piece of fabric 140 such that the linear and/or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 are aligned in a
direction that is at a particular angle relative to the movement of
the piece of fabric 140. In another example with the piece of
fabric 140 being a flag, the linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 are aligned longitudinally along the flag such
that the one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters
100, 200 experience the maximum amount of strain as the flag flaps
in the wind, and therefore generate the maximum amount of energy
available.
[0024] In yet another example with the piece of fabric 140 being a
jacket 500, the one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network 400 are coupled to the
jacket 500 in the area surrounding the elbows 570. The one or more
linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh
network 400 are aligned with the movement of the elbows 570 such
that when the living organism wearing the jacket 510 bends its
elbow, the one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network 400 experience more strain
than if the one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network 400 were not aligned with
the movement of the elbows 570.
[0025] In still yet another example, with the piece of fabric 140
being fabricated into a tent, the one or more linear or serpentine
piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network 400 are
incorporated into the flysheet (i.e., rain fly), groundsheet,
and/or the sides (i.e., the exterior surfaces) of the tent. The
flysheet and sides can generate electricity when exposed to wind or
other outside forces (e.g., a person manipulating the door to the
tent or rain). Additionally, the groundsheet can generate
electricity when stepped on by an individual in the tent. In an
example, the energy harvested by the one or more linear or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network
400 is used to power a light that is coupled with the tent.
[0026] Still further, in an example, the one or more linear or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200, or the one or more
linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh
network 400 can be oriented such that one or more linear or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 or the mesh network
400 are able to harvest the energy resulting from a compound
motion. In one example, the orientation of the one or more linear
or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network
400 are offset from one another (e.g., at 90 degrees) such that
some of the one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network 400 experience strain in
one plane of movement while other linear or serpentine
piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network 400
experience no strain in that same plane of movement.
[0027] Stated another way, the one or more linear or serpentine
piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 or the one or more linear or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network
400 can be oriented such that some of the one or more linear or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 will experience strain
as a result of a first degree of freedom. In another example, the
one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200
or the one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters
100, 200 of the mesh network 400 can be oriented such that some of
the one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100,
200 will experience strain as a result of a second degree of
freedom. It is intended that the preceding examples will apply to
each of the remaining four degrees available to the piece of fabric
140.
[0028] In another example, the orientation of the one or more
linear or serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh
network 400 are offset from one another (e.g., at 45 degrees) such
that some of the one or more linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network 400 experience strain in
one plane of movement while other linear or serpentine
piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network 400
experience substantially less (e.g., 30 percent less) strain in
that same plane of movement.
[0029] When some of the linear or serpentine piezoelectric
harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network 400 are offset from one
another (e.g., at 45 degrees), this allows for the mesh network 400
to experience strain that it otherwise would not experience and
therefore generate electricity that it otherwise would not generate
if the mesh network were incapable of being strained due to a
compound movement. Stated another way, the one or more linear or
serpentine piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network
400 can be oriented such that the one or more linear or serpentine
piezoelectric harvesters 100, 200 of the mesh network 400
efficiently and effectively capture the compound movement of an
object (e.g., a person wearing the jacket, or a flag or tent
flapping in the wind).
[0030] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a method for harvesting energy
from a piece of fabric 140. In one example, step 610 involves
moving a piece of fabric such that one or more piezoelectric
harvesters generate electricity. Step 620 involves storing the
generated electricity in one or more energy storage mediums.
Alternatively or additionally, the method 600 includes supplying
the generated electricity to one or more electronic devices 320. In
another example, the method 600 includes generating electricity
with the one or more piezoelectric harvesters at locations that
substantially correspond with the portions of the fabric that will
be moving. Further, the method 600 can include generating
electricity at locations where a piezoelectric ink has been applied
to the piece of fabric. Still further, the method 600 can include
generating electricity from the one or more piezoelectric
harvesters that have been aligned in a direction that is at a
particular angle relative to the movement of the piece of
fabric.
[0031] In yet another example, the method 600 includes moving a
piece of fabric, wherein the piece of fabric is a piece of
clothing. Additionally, the method 600 can include generating
electricity with the one or more piezoelectric harvesters at
locations that substantially correspond with one or more joints of
the human body (e.g., elbows 570). Further, the method 600 can
include generating electricity with the one or more piezoelectric
harvesters at locations that correspond to the location of a
wearers joints, the joints selected from the group consisting of
ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and wrists. Still further,
the method 600 can include generating electricity with the one or
more piezoelectric harvesters at locations where a piezoelectric
ink has been applied to the piece of clothing.
Various Notes & Examples
[0032] Example 1 can include or use a device for harvesting energy
from a piece of fabric, including a piece of fabric, one or more
piezoelectric harvesters coupled with the piece of fabric, the
piezoelectric harvesters capable of producing electric energy in
response to the movement of the piece of fabric, and one or more
energy storage mediums coupled to the one or more piezoelectric
harvesters, the energy storage mediums capable of storing the
energy produced by the one or more piezoelectric harvesters.
[0033] Example 2 can include or use, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of Example 1, to optionally include or use
coupling of the one or more piezoelectric harvesters to the fabric
at locations that substantially correspond with the portions of the
fabric that will be moving.
[0034] Example 3 can include or use, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1 or
2 to optionally include or use a piezoelectric ink that is applied
to the piece of fabric, thereby creating a piezoelectric
harvester
[0035] Example 4 can include or use, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1
through 3 to optionally include or use an electronic device that is
coupled to the one or more energy storage mediums, the electronic
device drawing power from the one or more energy storage
mediums.
[0036] Example 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1 through
4 to include coupling of the piezoelectric harvesters to the piece
of fabric such that the piezoelectric harvesters are aligned in a
direction that is at a particular angle relative to the movement of
the piece of fabric.
[0037] Example 6 can include or use, a device for harvesting energy
from clothing including a piece of clothing, one or more
piezoelectric harvesters coupled with the piece of clothing, the
piezoelectric harvesters capable of producing electric energy in
response to the movement of the piece of clothing, and one or more
energy storage mediums coupled to the one or more piezoelectric
harvesters, the energy storage mediums capable of storing the
energy produced by the one or more piezoelectric harvesters.
[0038] Example 7 can include or use, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of Example 6 to optionally include or use
one or more piezoelectric harvesters that are coupled to the piece
of clothing at locations that substantially correspond with the
joints of the human body.
[0039] Example 8 can include or use, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 6 or
7 to optionally include or use one or more piezoelectric harvesters
that are coupled to the piece of clothing at locations that
correspond to the location of a wearer's joints, the joints
selected from the group consisting of ankles, knees, hips,
shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
[0040] Example 9 can include or use, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 6
through 8 to include or use a piezoelectric ink that is applied to
the piece of clothing, thereby creating a piezoelectric
harvester.
[0041] Example 10 can include or use, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 6
through 9 to optionally include or use an electronic device that is
coupled to the one or more energy storage mediums, the electronic
device drawing power from the one or more energy storage
mediums.
[0042] Example 11 can include or use a method for harvesting energy
from fabric, including moving a piece of fabric such that one or
more piezoelectric harvesters generate electricity and storing the
generated electricity in one or more energy storage mediums.
[0043] Example 12 can include or use, or can optionally be combined
with the subject matter of Example 11 to optionally include
supplying the generated electricity to one or more electronic
devices.
[0044] Example 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of Examples 11 or 12 to optionally include
generating electricity with the one or more piezoelectric
harvesters at locations that substantially correspond with the
portions of the fabric that will be moving.
[0045] Example 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 11 through
13 to optionally include generating electricity at locations where
a piezoelectric ink has been applied to the piece of fabric.
[0046] Example 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 11 through
14 to optionally include generating electricity from the one or
more piezoelectric harvesters that have been aligned in a direction
that is at a particular angle relative to the movement of the piece
of fabric.
[0047] Example 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 11 through
15 to optionally include that moving the piece of fabric includes
moving a piece of clothing.
[0048] Example 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 11 through
16 to optionally include generating electricity with the one or
more piezoelectric harvesters at locations that substantially
correspond with one or more joints of the human body.
[0049] Example 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 11 through
17 to optionally include generating electricity with the one or
more piezoelectric harvesters at locations that correspond to the
location of a wearer's joints, the joints selected from the group
consisting of ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and
wrists.
[0050] Example 19 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 11 through
18 to optionally include generating electricity with the one or
more piezoelectric harvesters at locations where a piezoelectric
ink has been applied to the piece of clothing.
[0051] Example 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with
the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 11 through
19 to optionally include an apparatus including means to perform a
method as claimed in any preceding claim.
[0052] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or
can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or
more of the other examples.
[0053] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such
examples can include elements in addition to those shown or
described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples
in which only those elements shown or described are provided.
Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any
combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or
one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular
example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other
examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described
herein.
[0054] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document
and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this
document controls.
[0055] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article,
composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in
addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still
deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the
following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc.
are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects.
[0056] Method examples described herein can be machine or
computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a
computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with
instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform
methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of
such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language
code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can
include computer readable instructions for performing various
methods. The code may form portions of computer program products.
Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or
more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible
computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other
times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can
include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic
disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital
video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random
access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the
like.
[0057] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract
is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b), to allow the
reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the
above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped
together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be
interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is
essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in
less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus,
the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on
its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such
embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations
or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined
with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *